Los Angeles Injury Lawyer Blog

In a recent Ninth Circuit case, the court determined that under California law, an insured's auto insurance policy did not cover a person's injury from a dog bite. In Oregon Mut. Ins. Co. v. National General Ins. Co., an individual approached a dog in the back of the insured's pickup truck to pet the animal. The dog then bit the person. The court determined that the injuries were not covered by auto insurance because the bite did not occur as the result of the use of the pickup truck but rather, it just provided the location where the accident occurred.

Animal attacks are frightening and can result in both long lasting physical and emotional injuries. Often the animal attacking is a beloved pet and many times it is a child that sustains an injury. In many cases the attack comes out of the blue - an individual approaches the animal to pet or to greet it, only to be met with a fierce attack. If you have been injured from a dog bite or animal attack, contacting a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer should be your first step.

A knowledgeable dog bite/animal attack lawyer can help answer your dog bite questions and determine your right to compensation. Dog bite and animal attack victims may be able to recover emotional damages, past and future lost wages, and medical costs associated with treating an injury.

Statistics reveal that each year more than 800,000 people in the United States suffer injuries from dog bites and other animal attacks, ranging from minor flesh wounds to serious injuries. Generally, owners are strictly liable for dog bites. This means that they are responsible for injuries that occur. These injuries may be covered by homeowners insurance, but as is determined in Oregon Mut. Ins. Co., not by auto insurance. However, some exceptions may exist. An experienced animal attack attorney can help review insurance policies to determine whether adequate coverage exists. If no - or inadequate - insurance exists, then the owner of the pet may be required to pay out of pocket for any injuries.

Continue reading "Oregon Mut. Ins. Co. v. National General Ins. Co. Determines California Dog Bites Not Covered By Auto Insurance Policy" »

This past week the Los Angeles City Council approved a landmark ordinance - the "Prohibition Against Harassment of Bicyclists" providing bicyclists much greater protection from harassment and assault. Harassing bicyclists is now illegal and victims of harassing behavior can sue aggressive drivers in court.

If you have been subject to harassing behavior by drivers - or passengers - contact an experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer to learn about how this new law affects you.

According to LA City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, one of the bill's sponsors, "The car culture is over." NBC new reports that bicyclists have been increasingly worried about their safety ever since a Brentwood doctor was convicted of intentionally causing a bicycle accident involving two cyclists with his car, resulting in serious injuries. Just last week a Los Angeles bicyclist was killed in a case of road rage. Another bicyclist told the council that while biking on La Brea Avenue, a passenger leaned out the car window to push him over.

Continue reading "New Los Angeles Bicycle Law To Protect Bikers From Harassment And Assault" »

A suspected drunk driving hit a 23-yearold Los Angeles resident this past weekend. The Los Angeles pedestrian was walking along Aliso Beach. As a result of the accident, the victim was found with blood coming from his head. He was taken to Mission Hospital Mission Viejo with serious injuries.

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident it is important to contact a Los Angeles drunk driving accident attorney to discuss your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

In drunk driving accidents, drivers may face two separate legal proceedings - one in the criminal court system and one in the civil court. Here, the driver will face criminal charges - he was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving with bodily injury. He has one prior DUI conviction in 2005.

He may also be sued for civil damages as a result of the injuries occurred by the victim. Not only may DUI victims suffer serious physical injuries but their families may also incur significant economic losses as the result of time of work to heal from their injuries and a potentially diminished future earning capacity. It may be possible to recover compensation for these losses including medical bills, economic losses, physical pain and suffering, as well as mental anguish.

Continue reading "Suspected Drunk Driving Accident Injures Los Angeles Man In Pedestrian Accident " »

According to the Los Angeles Times the family of Bryan Stow - the man beaten during the Dodgers/Giants opening game has filed a lawsuit against the Dodgers. Bryan Stow, a San Francisco Giants fan, remains in a coma after he was attacked on March 31st while attending the game. The family has filed a lawsuit against the team and owner including premises liability, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent hiring.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in any type of accident, it is important to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and help your family recover the compensation you deserve.

Whenever some one attends a sporting game, concert or other large spectator event, some risk is involved. This is called "assumption of risk," and generally covers such foreseeable injuries like going to a baseball game and potentially being hit by a foul ball. In these situations, the spectator will most likely not be able to bring a lawsuit. However, where the injury is not the typical injury you would expect at a sporting event or if the injuries occur because of the negligence of the owner, then the owner or operator of a facility may be responsible and required to compensate you for your injuries. Compensation may include medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Family Of Brian Stow Files Negligence Suit Against Dodgers" »

An inmate bus crash on the Southbound 5 ended in serious injuries for eight people. Officials believe the accident occurred after a car in front of the bus suddenly slowed down, causing the bus-driver to slam on his brakes. A bus following close behind, as well as two other close-following busses crashed.

If you have been injured in any type of motor vehicle accident, it is important to seek medical attention if injured and speak to an experienced Los Angeles accident attorney to protect your right to compensation.

When you are injured in an accident in a motor vehicle for hire - such as a chartered bus - additional considerations may impact liability. Besides driver fault, questions exist such as whether the company or entity who provides the driver or vehicle did a thorough background check on the driver, whether the driver had a history of accidents and whether the vehicle carrying the passenger complied with all safety requirements.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Inmate Bus Crash Leads To Injuries " »

A 26-year-old Los Angeles man was killed early Friday morning in a motorcycle accident on the 110 freeway. The man lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a sport utility vehicle on the Arroyo Seco Parkway. The driver of the SUV was hospitalized with serious injuries.

The cause behind the accident is unknown, but initial reports suggest that speed was a factor.

Motorcycle accidents remain one of California's most dangerous roadway accidents. Even with safety precautions - when something goes wrong, the potential for serious injuries and fatalities is significant.

If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash or have been seriously injured in an motorcycle collision, contact an experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer immediately to evaluate your next steps and determine if you are entitled to compensation. In many cases, victims may be able to recovery medical costs, lost income, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Kills One" »

Federal investigators have determined that the Metrolink engineers may be to blame for the 2008 Metrolink train accident that resulted in four injuries and damage to a freight train.

If you have been injured in a train accident or other serious personal injury, it is important to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney to begin investigating the accident and preserve your right to obtain compensation.

Here, the finding suggests that a Metrolink engineer failed to brake in time to stop at a red light and scraped against a 7,000 foot long freight train. As a result of the accident, officials are requiring engineers to slow to 40 mph or less at yellow lights in order to be prepared to stop.

Two months before this accident another Metrolink train collided with a freight train, injuring 135.

Continue reading "Metrolink Crew Likely At Fault In Los Angeles Train Accident " »

According to L.A. Now, a 70-year-old woman died in a parking garage accident after her car plunged off the Sports Club Los Angeles parking structure in West L.A.. Her vehicle fell four stories before landing on its roof on the sidewalk. The cause of the accident was not immediately known, although evidence suggests her car hit a concrete slab which then created an large opening.

Police are currently investigating the accident.

If you or a loved one suffers serious injuries or wrongful death as the result of an accident, it is important to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney to gather evidence and protect your right to obtain compensation.

Continue reading "Woman Dies In Los Angeles Parking Structure Accident" »

Los Angeles news reports that a 17-year-old boy was killed in a Canoga Park hit and run accident. The high school senior was riding his bike along De Soto Avenue near Valerio Street when someone driving a small Toyota sped up and hit the boy, then continued driving away.

Anyone with knowledge of this bike accident is encourages to contact the police. If you have or a loved one has suffered a serious injury as the result of another's recklessness or negligence, it is critical to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer immediately to begin investigating the accident and protecting your rights.

Here, several issues need to be addressed. In addition to calls for the driver to come forward, neighborhood residents complain about De Soto Avenue itself, calling it a "death trap" and noting that, "It's awful. ...from Sherman Way to Saticoy Street, De Soto is a racetrack." Where roadway design and maintenance create a dangerous condition, a town or municipality may be held responsible for injuries that are caused as a result.

Continue reading "Hit-and-Run Diver Kills Boy In Canoga Park Bicycle Accident" »

Los Angeles County has agreed to settle a brain injury case for $207K. The negligence lawsuit arose out of the failure of staff at a Los Angeles County to adequately supervise a psychiatric patient. The patient suffered schizophrenic episodes requiring constant supervision, but nurses failed to watch him closely and he subsequently jumped out a window. He now suffers permanent brain damage.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious personal injury, it is important to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to review your case and determine the next steps.

Continue reading "Los Angeles County To Pay $207K For Brain Injury" »

One skydiver has died and another has suffered serious injuries in a Perris skydiving accident. These injuries come just two weeks after two other people were killed in a similar accident at the same skydiving location.

The accident occurred after two skydivers collided with each other mid-air. Both men were experienced jumpers with over a thousand jumps each. The men were taken to the hospital where one died of the injuries sustained from the fall and the other underwent emergency surgery for severe head and chest injuries.

If you have suffered serious injuries as the result of an accident, contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at once to protect your rights and begin an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Although all the facts and circumstances of this accident are unknown, it is likely an investigation will be conducted to determine issues such as whether anything could have been done to prevent the accident, if the equipment was functioning properly, or if the sky diving club took all the necessary precautions.

Continue reading "Perris Skydiving Accident Raises Questions Of Fault" »

A Los Angeles car accident has resulted in injuries to six people after two vehicles collided on the 118 Freeway near Pacoima. The Pacoima car accident occurred early this afternoon and caused at least one vehicle to overturn.

If you have been involved in a Southern California car accident, contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and begin an investigation.

Three people in one car suffered serious injuries, while the three people in the other vehicle had minor to moderate injuries.

When accidents occur, several car accident questions need to be evaluated. First, what factors contributed to the accident? Is one driver to blame or is each partly at fault? Additionally, what is the setting surrounding the incident, i.e. What time of day did the accident occur? What were the weather conditions? Did poor visibility play a role? What about roadway design? Another question is whether any defective autoparts contributed to the accident.

Continue reading "Pacoima Car Accident Injures Six" »

Long Beach news reports that a twin-engine plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the Long Beach Airport. Five people were killed and another person seriously injured. Three of those killed were prominent Long Beach businessmen.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious personal injuries or wrongful death, contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to investigate your case and provide you the legal representation you deserve.

The plane had just taken off on its way to Salt Lake City when it began circling back. It then exploded into a fireball. The sole survivor was taken to the hospital in critical condition. No reasons were immediately provided for the airplane accident, and it is currently under investigation.

When tragedies occur, the consequences can last a lifetime. Determining the cause of an accident is crucial for families both in terms of finding answers and obtaining compensation. In the case of airplane crashes, skilled attorneys will reconstruct the accident and determine the factors contributing to the incident. Legal fault is not necessarily limited to one source - but rather where responsibility for an incident falls on many parties, each may be liable for portion of the damages.

Continue reading "Fatal Long Beach Airplane Crash Kills Five" »

KTLA reports that a helicopter burst into flames after crashing into an El Segundo building Sunday morning. The helicopter was lifting a large air conditioning unit off one of the buildings when the pilot lost control and crashed. The pilot sustained serious injuries.

If you have been injured in any serious accident, contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney to investigate your case and determine possible avenues of recovery.

Here, the helicopter landed in a patio area and burst into flames. Witnesses state that the cable carrying the load became stuck on something, causing the chopper to sway and then fall to the ground. The pilot was quickly pulled out of the cockpit before the helicopter caught fire, but sustained broken bones, burns and cuts. The accident is still under investigation.

Many factors affect the amount of compensation the pilot - or anyone injured in an accident - may receive for his injuries. For example, here questions exist whether unseen risks or a lack of safety precautions contributed to the accident. If negligence is determined on the part of any person or entity involved in this accident, the pilot may be able to recover compensation for his injuries. Further, whether the pilot was an employee of the business or an independent contractor affects recovery. If he is an employee, worker's compensation laws may govern how and if he will be paid for his injuries. Alternatively, if he is an independent contractor, it may be possible to pursue civil claims.

Continue reading "El Segundo Helicopter Accident Leads To Injuries" »

The tragic Los Angeles bus accident near Lake Arrowhead raises significant questions concerning safety.

Reports indicate that the bus carrying the 22 people, mostly students, was not equipped with seatbelts. Further, although the 61-year-old driver was licensed, it was unknown if he was currently working or had retired.

If you have been injured in a bus accident or other motor vehicle accident, it is critical to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to begin investigating the matter and discuss your options.

Anyone who has traveled California 189 knows that the road is treacherous. With sharp turns and steep inclines, safety is paramount. Reports indicate that as the bus rounded a "nearly hair-pin" run, it collided with an SUV coming in the opposite direction. The driver died and at least 10 face serious injuries. Whether anything could have been done to prevent the accident or lessen the severity of the impact is currently is under investigation. Many times factors other than driver error are at play and may impact a victim's right to compensation.

Continue reading "Fatal Los Angeles Bus Accident Raises Questions About Safety" »